For Round 9 of the 2025 MotoGP season, the Honda HRC Castrol Team will compete with Joan Mir and Takaaki Nakagami. After securing a season-best 7th place at the Algarve GP, Mir aims for another strong result at Mugello. Meanwhile, Nakagami will make his first appearance as a factory team rider, stepping in for the injured Luca Marini.
Located about 40 km north of Florence, the Mugello Circuit is known as a sacred venue for Italian motorsport. The track features a high-speed, flowing layout with a long straight and an intense battle into Turn 1. For riders, it’s a stage that holds special meaning every year.
After achieving his third top-10 finish of the season in the previous round, Joan Mir is looking to carry that momentum forward. He’s consistently run within the top 10 during practice and qualifying, and barring any issues or mistakes, he has shown the potential to lead the Honda contingent. He previously stood on the Mugello podium in 2021, finishing third. The 2020 world champion is ready to shine again.
Takaaki Nakagami, meanwhile, has been working as part of Honda HRC’s test team. He also made a wildcard appearance at Le Mans earlier this season. With Marini sidelined, this weekend marks a rare and valuable opportunity for Nakagami to race with the factory squad. It’s a crucial weekend both for aiding machine development and for maintaining his race sharpness. He also has a solid track record at Mugello, having finished fifth in 2019. Luca Marini, who returned to Italy after the Algarve GP, is currently recovering and remains in close contact with the team as he works toward a comeback.
Joan Mir:
“Coming off our best Sunday of the season so far, I’m looking to do even better at Mugello. It’s a fantastic circuit to ride, and I’m sure the race will be closely contested. I think we have areas where we can show our strengths—especially how the bike performs on the high-speed entry at the end of the straight will be key. It’s a packed stretch of the calendar now, so I want to stay focused and keep this momentum going.”
Takaaki Nakagami:
“First of all, I wish Luca a full and speedy recovery. I’m honored to join the Honda HRC Castrol factory team. I’m grateful to Honda HRC for giving me this opportunity. With the test team, I’ve been working in Japan on the future of the machine, but this weekend brings a different objective. I’ve always enjoyed racing at Mugello, and I’ve had good results here too. I want to see how I can contribute to the team and what I can achieve myself.”